ALPHARETTA, Ga., November 1, 2011– Implantable brain shunt
valves from Integra LifeSciences Corporation, Plainsboro, N.J., a leading
medical device manufacturer, are partially composed of Eviva® polysulfone (PSU)
resin from Solvay Specialty Polymers USA, LLC. Eviva PSU resin is part of
Solvays Solviva® line of biomaterials offered for use in implantable medical
devices.
Integras shunt is part of a multi-piece assembly, which is
implanted during brain surgery for hydrocephalus fluid management. These
implantable stunts are injection molded by Integra LifeSciences.
Eviva PSU is a transparent resin that offers practical
toughness. The material maintains its dimensional tolerance right out of the
mold and requires no machining.
Eviva PSU and the entire line of Solviva Biomaterials are
manufactured in compliance with ISO 13485 and under the relevant aspects of
current Good Manufacturing Practices. Solvays biomaterial manufacturing
processes are carefully validated, and enhanced controls provide product
traceability. In addition, all materials are tested in an accredited lab that
is ISO 17025 compliant.
In addition to Eviva PSU, the Solviva Biomaterials line
includes Zeniva® polyetheretherketone (PEEK), which boasts a modulus very close
to that of bone, plus excellent toughness and fatigue resistance; Proniva®
self-reinforced polyphenylene (SRP), one of the worlds stiffest and strongest
unreinforced thermoplastic, which offers exceptional chemical resistance and
hardness; and Veriva® polyphenylsulfone (PPSU), which provides unsurpassed
toughness combined with transparency and excellent chemical resistance.
Solvays experience as a key materials supplier in the
healthcare field spans more than 20 years. The company recently expanded its
focus on the healthcare industry by creating a dual-pronged management team for
implantable and non-implantable medical devices to meet the growing needs of
its global customers. In addition to a new management structure, Solvay
Specialty Polymers announced a 50% increase in staffing for sales, marketing,
and technology functions in the U.S.
and Europe. Plans for further expansion in
Asia-Pacific are also underway.
About Integra LifeSciences
Integra LifeSciences, a world leader in the
manufacture of medical devices, is dedicated to limiting uncertainty for
surgeons so they can concentrate on providing the best patient care. Integra
offers innovative solutions in orthopedics, neurosurgery, spine,
reconstructive, and general surgery. For more information, visit www.integralife.com.
About Solvay Specialty Polymers
Solvay Specialty Polymers manufactures more products with more performance than
any other polymer company in the world. The company supplies over 1500 products
across 33 brands of high-performance polymers – fluoropolymers,
fluoroelastomers, fluorinated fluids, semi-aromatic polyamides, sulfone
polymers, aromatic ultra polymers, high-barrier polymers and cross-linked
high-performance compounds – for use in Aerospace, Alternative Energy,
Automotive, Healthcare, Membranes, Oil & Gas, Packaging, Plumbing,
Semiconductors, Wire & Cable, and other markets. Learn more at www.solvayspecialtypolymers.com.
Solvay is an international chemical Group
committed to sustainable development with a clear focus on innovation and
operational excellence. Its recent acquisition of specialty chemicals company Rhodia created a much larger player which is
realizing over 90% of its sales in markets where it is among the top 3 global
leaders. Solvay offers a broad range of products that contribute to improving
quality of life and its customers’ performance in markets such as consumer
goods, construction, automotive, energy, water and environment, and
electronics. The Group is headquartered in Brussels and its companies employ about
30,000 people in 55 countries and generated EUR 12 billion in sales (pro forma)
in 2010. Solvay SA is listed on NYSE Euronext (SOLB.BE – Bloomberg: SOLB.BB
– Reuters: SOLBt.BR).
